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Bacau tourism

Category: Points of Interests

Repere Via Bacovia: locuri și obiective de vizitat

Lake Berești

Introduction

A few dozen kilometres from Bacău, between the domed fields of the Siret, stretches Lake Berești – a mirror of water that gathers around it the silence, the sky and the birds’ flights. Here, time seems to slow down: the dam, the reeds, the surrounding villages and the light changing over the shimmering lake give the place a simple but profound beauty. The Berești is not just a reservoir, but also a small natural world where people come to fish, watch the sunset or simply to be still with the water.

Key facts and location

Berești Lake is located in Bacău County, on the Siret River, and stretches over the municipalities of Sascut, Corbasca, Orbeni, Tătărești, Valea Seacă and Parava.

  • Area: about 2,250 hectares
  • Length: about 15 km
  • Average width: 1 km
  • Year of utilisation: 1986
  • Purpose: reservoir for hydropower and to regularise the flow of the Siret

Access is easy from the E85 motorway (Bacău-Bucuresti), with a detour to the east, and the road offers sweeping views of the valley and surrounding villages.

A living ecosystem

Although artificial, Berești Lake has quickly become a complex ecosystem, integrated in a Natura 2000 site of avifauna importance.
Here have …

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Church of St Nicholas, Măgura

Founded by Anastasia Racoviță Costachi and her niece, Maria Rosetti, the church was completed in 1786 by Nastasia’s son-in-law, Iordache Ruset.

The inscription moulded in bronze on the church bell, in Cyrillic slove, has the following content:”This bell was made by Mrs Kokona Nastasiea Racoviță, the Visternice from Kălugăra Moruzi Voevod let 7285-1788“.

Over time, the monument was repaired in 1868 by D. Cracti and parishioners. Twenty years later, the nobleman Emil Brăescu repaired it at his own expense, and in 1902, with the help of priest G. Comanescu to repair it again. In 1936, the parish owned 12 hectares of agricultural land and another 2 hectares comprising the churchyard and the two cemeteries. Also in 1936, the church was declared Historical Monument, a status it still holds today.

Another repair was carried out after the earthquake in 1940, and in 1996 the interior painting was redone by the painter Jan Zărnescu, his wife and son.

The church is an architectural hybrid: a three-lobed church with relatively small, polygonal apses on the outside and a strongly recessed porch, above which rises a massive bell-tower (characteristic of churches in the Bacau area, influenced by the architecture of …

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St Michael’s Church in Valea Mare

“St Michael” Church in Valea Mare – Fărăoani

An oasis of faith in the heart of Moldova

Situated between Valea de Sus and Valea de Jos, on the border between Valea Mare and Faraoani, the Roman-Catholic Church “St Michael” watches over the community of believers in the area. Its proximity to the 7 Capele pilgrimage route makes this place not only a spiritual reference point, but also a stopover full of history and beauty for those who travel the paths of Moldavia in search of tranquillity.

History and local identity

Built between 1922 and 1925, the present church was consecrated on 29 September, the feast day of the Archangel Michael, the spiritual patron saint of the community. It replaced a small wooden church that still stands today in the village cemetery – one of the oldest Catholic churches in the area.

The parish was reactivated in 1953, after the separation from Fărăoani, and has been led over the years by dedicated priests who have contributed to the formation of a community united around the values of the faith. Dozens of priests, nuns and even bishops have set out on their journey, including Mons. Anton Coșa, Bishop of Chisinau, and …

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Calvar Chapel (Calvaria)

Calvar Chapel – A Place of Peace and Reflection

Nestled atop the scenic Calvar Hill in Luizi-Călugăra, Bacău County, the Calvar Chapel is a historical and spiritual gem that offers a unique glimpse into the region’s rich past. Built in 1814, the chapel was dedicated to the Descent of the Holy Spirit, and over the years, it has become an important place for both locals and visitors alike, offering moments of reflection and tranquility.

The chapel is renowned not only for its spiritual significance but also for its stunning location. Standing on the hill, it provides sweeping views of the village of Luizi-Călugăra, the surrounding valleys, and the distant horizon. The area is known for its peaceful atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for quiet contemplation and connection with nature.

Visitors can experience the beauty of the landscape, particularly at sunrise when the first light casts a golden glow over the valley. The chapel is a testament to the deep spiritual and cultural heritage of the region, and its serene surroundings allow for a deeper connection with both history and nature.

Whether you’re seeking a place for peaceful reflection, a historical exploration, or simply a beautiful vantage point to appreciate …

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Statue of Jesus – Rastignitu

Someone up there is watching over us

Situated above the village of Talpa in the commune of Sărata, the Statue of Jesus, or Crucifix, as it is also known in the village, is a symbol that watches over the valley, the villages, the city.

The statue is located near the Suhard chapel (Sinislău) and can be found on several landscaped or virtual trails: the 7 Chapels Pilgrimage Trail, the Via Bacovia 6 Chapels Trail, the Via Bacovia Trail.

Location and access

Location: Suhard hill, Bacău county
Geographical coordinates: 46°30’59.0″N 26°50’27.2″E (46.516389, 26.840889)
Google maps: here
Access: on foot, starting either from the village of Talpa, Sărata (take the MTB Bar as a reference point), or from Luizi Călugăra, at the end of the tarmac road.

Attractions nearby

Capela Suhard (Sinislău)
Capela Calvar (Calvaria)

Tourist routes

7 Capele Pilgrimage Route

Route 6 Capele

Via Bacovia Trail Cros

Via Bacovia Trail Half-marathon

Photo/video gallery

Vovidenia wooden church in Luncani

Vovidenia wooden church in Luncani (1777), a jewel of Moldovan spiritual heritage

In the picturesque village of Luncani, located in the commune of Margineni, Bacău County, there is one of the most valuable wooden churches in the region: the Vovidenia Church, dedicated to the “Entry of the Virgin Mary into the Church”. The place of worship is not only a place of prayer for the community, but also a living testimony to Moldovan Orthodox history and spirituality.

Church history and architecture

Built in the 18th century, Vovidenia Church reflects the traditional style of wooden churches in the Moldavian area. Made of massive beams skilfully joined together, the church impresses with its architectural simplicity and the beauty of its hand-carved details. Over time, it has been restored and strengthened, but has managed to retain its authentic charm and is an outstanding example of vernacular religious architecture.

The gable roof and modest porch, supported by carved pillars, are distinctive features of the building. The interior painting, in Byzantine style, retains the vivid colours and expressiveness characteristic of Orthodox iconography, although some parts have needed restoration over time.

Among the valuable artistic elements is the beautifully carved catapet dating back to the construction …

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Gherț Chapel (The Ascension of The Lord)

Welcome to the Ghert Chapel, the Heroes’ Chapel “Ascension of the Lord”

Perched atop the Osebiti Hill (Gherța or Gherț) in Luizi-Călugăra, Romania, the Ghert Chapel is a landmark of the nation’s history and a place of beauty. Built after World War I to honor those who sacrificed their lives in war and the Romanian War of Independence, this chapel offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and the city of Bacău.

An altar of devotion and tranquility:

Dedicated to the Ascension of the Lord, the Gherț Chapel attracts visitors with its peaceful atmosphere and beautifully contoured architecture. Its simple, elegant, beautifully rounded design, adorned with religious motifs, creates a sense of spirituality and reverence.

A symbol of resilience and patriotism:

The Ghert Chapel serves as a moving reminder of Romania’s history and the courage of its people. It is a symbol of resistance, a testament to the enduring spirit of those who fought for their nation’s freedom. Inside, marble slabs bear the names of those from the local area who gave their lives in the two wars mentioned above. Moreover, in the immediate vicinity of the chapel, the ground still holds hidden traces of battles that took place …

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Ciciola Chapel

Welcome to the Ciciola Chapel

Located under the high Carunta Peak (717 m) on the picturesque Ciciola Hill in Faraoani, Romania, in a small clearing, the Ciciola Chapel is a place of spiritual peace and natural beauty. This chapel is a first or last stop along the famous 7 Chapels Pilgrimage route, offering visitors a unique feeling of harmony between faith, heritage and breathtaking landscapes.

A sacred destination

Built to inspire and guide pilgrims, the Ciciola Chapel is more than a landmark – it is a place of reflection and renewal. Located approximately 3 kilometers from the picturesque “Vis” plateau, the chapel offers an ideal setting for prayer, peace or moments of personal tranquility amidst the hills and forests.

Part of a rich pilgrimage tradition

As the sixth stop, or the first, depending on the direction of travel, on the 7 Chapels Pilgrimage Route, the Ciciola Chapel holds a special place in the spiritual journey through Bacău County. Whether you walk the entire route or visit these chapels separately, Ciciola is a highlight that should not be missed.

More than a chapel

Visitors to the Ciciola Chapel can enjoy:

capela suhard

Suhard Chapel (Sinislău)

Location: Sinislău Hill, Luizi Călugăra commune, Bacău county
Geographical coordinates: 46.51867667204952, 26.84153213325184
Google maps: here
Access:
1. The access can be done on foot, from Sărata, from MTB Bar or

2. From Luizi-Călugăra leaving the church towards the hill and at the intersection with the Road between the Vii you enter this road, or
3. From the Cattaleya guesthouse, go up the road on the right and then, when you reach the forest, turn left towards Sărata. Depending on the weather, up to a point can be reached by car or by bike.
Description:
The Suhard Chapel is built on Sinislău hill, one of the highest points near Bacău. From here you have a beautiful view over the city, the village and the valley. You can also admire the sunrise from here.
The chapel was built by the Neculai I. Horvat family in 1932, with the feast of St John the Baptist, in June.

Chapel of the Ascension

Location: Nicolae Bălcescu commune, Bacău county
Geographical coordinates: 46°28’52.5″N 26°51’46.2″E
Google maps: here
Access:
1. The access can be done by car, on an unpaved road, going up from Valea Seacă. From the bottom of the hill you walk about 500 metres.
2. On foot or by bicycle from Valea Seacă, Nicolae Balcescu or other places, following the Via Bacovia routes.
Description:
The chapel “Jesus’ Ascension to Heaven” is built on Albeni hill between Valea Seacă and Balțata. It is perhaps not by chance that this place, a favourite with paragliding enthusiasts, has this name.

The chapel was built in the 19th century, the exact date is unknown. It was built in honour of heroes.